Brain is enough to rule a country: Dr. Bellana

Deputy Director of the Colombo National hospital, Dr. Rukshan Bellana, said that “the brain is the only thing needed to rule a country” and claimed that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is suffering from non-communicable diseases.

No diplomatic objections to Ranil’s arrest: Foreign Minister

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said that no foreign diplomats or diplomatic organisation have raised objections regarding the recent arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne further remanded

Polgahawela Magistrate’s Court today (27) ordered the further remand of former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Admiral (Rtd) Nishantha Ulugetenne, until September 10.

South Korea bans phones in school classrooms nationwide

South Korea has passed a bill banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during class hours in schools - becoming the latest country to restrict phone use among children and teens.

Two arrested at BIA with Rs. 100 million worth of mobile phones

Two Sri Lankan passengers attempting to smuggle a consignment of mobile phones worth Rs. 100 million into the country were arrested this morning (27) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Green Channel.

Cyclist protection measures

Govt approves renovation of Southern Expressway stretch between Kottawa and Dodangoda

The government has granted approval for the renovation of the Southern Expressway (E-01) from the 19th to the 34th kilometer, covering the stretch between Kottawa and Dodangoda.

Deshabandu released on bail

Former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Deshabandu Tennakoon, who was arrested in connection with the attack on peaceful protesters at Galle Face on May 9, 2022, was released on bail today.

Elephant calf dies after truck collision in Habarana

A 10-year-old elephant calf died this morning (27) after being hit by a container truck transporting cement in the Hirivadunna area of Habarana, police said.

Levy on imported potatoes and big onions raised

The Ministry of Finance announced that the Special Commodity Levy on imported potatoes has been increased from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 per kilogram with effect from yesterday (26).

Latest health condition of Ranil Wickremesinghe

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Colombo National Hospital for at least two more days on the advice of specialist doctors, Deputy Director of the hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana said today (27).

World Cup-winning captain diagnosed with skin cancer

Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Clarke shared a health update through a post on his Instagram handle. He had been initially diagnosed with the same in 2006.

Trump hits India with punishing 50% tariff, among the highest the US charges

President Donald Trump made good on his threat to double tariffs on imports from India to 50%, a move that could endanger relations with one of America’s most important trading partners and send consumer prices higher.

Sajith Premadasa seeks Prince William’s help to save elephants

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has appealed to Britain’s Prince William to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect its wild elephant population, citing the growing human–elephant conflict as a critical threat to both lives and biodiversity.

Three arrested over Rs. 45 million cigarette smuggling attempt

Three Sri Lankan passengers were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning while attempting to smuggle in a stock of foreign-made cigarettes worth Rs. 45.9 million.

Three killed, 13 injured in school van-lorry collision in Kuliyapitiya

Three people, including two children and the driver of a school van, were killed while 13 others sustained injuries following a collision between a school van and a lorry in Dummalasooriya, Kuliyapitiya, this morning, police said.

Nutrition physicians concerned over removal of key posts in Food Control Unit

The Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians (SLCNP) has expressed strong concern over attempts to remove Consultant Nutrition Physician (CNP) posts from the Ministry of Health’s Food Control Administration Unit, warning that the move would seriously weaken public health safeguards, sources said.

Supporters commend Ranil Wickremesinghe’s release

What began as a tense and emotionally charged protest turned into a scene of jubilation yesterday at the Fort Magistrate’s Court, as news broke that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had been granted bail in a case related to the alleged misuse of public funds.

Listed lenders rake in bumper earnings

Sri Lanka’s listed commercial banks posted strong earnings for the June quarter, boosted by loan growth, lower provisions for bad loans and higher fee income, though margins narrowed, Capital Trust Securities said in a report.

Ceylon Tea exports gain momentum in July

Tea exports continued its upward trajectory in July 2025, reaching 24.04 million kilograms, up 2.68 million kilograms from the 21.36 million kilograms shipped in the same month last year.

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports record 9% growth in July 2025

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports recorded steady growth in July 2025, rising by 9.84 percent to US$ 455.16 million compared with US$ 414.38 million in July 2024.

Ruwan thanks political leaders for supporting Ranil

United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene today extended his gratitude to political leaders across party lines who turned up in support of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

President vows equal justice, tough action on corruption

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing the law equally on all citizens, warning that those found guilty of corruption will face strict punishment.

France heads for political crisis as PM risks all on confidence vote

France is on the brink of another political crisis, after Prime Minister François Bayrou’s shock decision to submit his government to a vote of confidence in parliament.

CSE rebounds after consecutive declines

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) today demonstrated mixed momentum, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) initially gaining approximately 96 points before easing slightly. The market ultimately closed with a positive movement of 37.80 points (+0.18%) at 20,613.39, while the S&P SL 20 rose 6.29 points (+0.10%) to 6,048.80.

Made in Sri Lanka’ Trade Fair to be held in Arugam Bay

The National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, will host the annual ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ trade fair at Arugam Bay in the Ampara District from August 29 to 31.

Shadow Warriors of Devapathiraja nudge the mighty

Minus technical expertise and fanfare, a new breed of cricketers from a village school is turning heads.

Ranil to remain in hospital for a few more days

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe who was granted bail will have to remain in hospital for a few more days, the United National Party (UNP) said in a media statement today.

Crowd celebrates Ranil’s release

State houses of former leaders to be reclaimed from September: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced today that the government will reclaim all state-owned houses allocated to former Presidents, once new legislation is passed in September.